I’ve been growing my hair for a long time. A very long time, in fact. But as someone unwilling to forgo my twice-yearly highlights there’s only so much length I can achieve before it begins to snap. This leaves me feeling like I’m back at square one - albeit with a tell-tale smattering of scraggly ends. I've integrated so many hair beautifying into my routine, from bond builders and serums to masks and even hair fragrances. But hair oils? That’s where I’ve always struggled. TikTok is constantly touting the benefits of hair oiling for strengthening strands, but as someone with a naturally oily scalp (if I want my hair to look it's best, I need to wash it every day), I’ve always avoided them. In the past, even the tiniest amount smoothed through freshly styled hair has been a disaster. Finishing oils didn’t deliver a perfect finish. They literally finished my hair in a 'Whoops, looks like I'll have to wash it again,' type way.
A few months ago, a new hair oil landed in the office. Admittedly, I only picked it up because the bottle was beautiful- a pretty, green-glazed glass that looked like it would be gorgeous addition to my dressing table. It claimed to be lightweight and high-shine- a combination I’ve been promised (and disappointed by) far too many times. Still, perhaps spurred on by those persuasive TikTokers, I decided to give this one a try.
Excitingly? This is a hair oil I can actually get behind. Over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed my hair looking bouncier and glossier. There’s been a noticeable reduction in frizz. And most importantly, I genuinely think it’s helped my hair grow longer and stronger- without those dreaded straggly ends
Image credit: Cameron Bensley/Styling: Julia Harvey
What does the Aveda Miraculous Oil High Shine Hair Concentrate do?
The Aveda oil works to smooth, condition, and add radiant shine thanks to a cocktail of hair fortifying ingredients.
Camelina oil ferment: Adds radiance with lightweight texture. Rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.
Tsubaki seed oil: Conditions. Harvested in part from Jeju Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and crafted through cold pressing.
Daikon seed oil: Smooths. Responsibly sourced from cooperative farms in Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Shop: Aveda Miraculous Oil High Shine Hair Concentrate
www.aveda.co.uk
What Aveda says: 'A blend of traditions in every drop. Infused with Tsubaki seed oil, harvested in part from Jeju Island and daikon seed oil, responsibly sourced from cooperative farms in Willamette Valley, Oregon. This precious concentrate delivers 195% more shine, instantly and creates 2X smoother hair.'
What we know: Fine to medium hair types can apply a small amount to ends of dry hair, while medium to thick hair types can work into mid-lengths and ends of dry hair. This will smooth frizz and add radiant shine.
Rachael Martin beauty director says: 'It’s also an absolute pleasure to use. The spa-like fragrance - a calming blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, and petitgrain- paired with the ritual of applying it, makes it feel like a proper (albeit speedy) moment of self-care. To be completely honest, I didn’t notice dramatic results immediately, but after around two months, I did see results. My hair was growing with significantly less breakage, and my ends appeared far blunter, without the scraggly, uneven tips I’d become used to. And the shine? Oh the shine! Here was the kind of Kate Middleton-esque lustre I'd never seen before.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Brimming with hair beautifying ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
Cons
- Glass bottle (although chic, you'll not want to drop it!)
How to use the Aveda Miraculous Oil High Shine Hair Concentrate
Begin by applying one of two drops to the palms of your hands. You can then rub hands together to ensure even distribution. Next, apply the oil through the mid-to-ends of damp hair using a gentle, raking motion before styling as usual. Fine to medium hair types can apply a small amount to ends of dry hair, while medium to thick hair types can work into mid-lengths and ends of dry hair. This will smooth frizz and add radiant shine.
Our verdict
Rachael Martin, beauty director says:
'I’ve been testing this one for the past three months and have been meticulous with my application. Each day, after washing my hair, I’ve smoothed a small amount through the lengths and ends. Then, on freshly blow-dried hair, I’ve taken the tiniest amount- no more than half a drop- and worked it through the roots, lengths, and ends to seal everything in and ward off humidity-induced frizz. I’ve also been using it as a pre-wash treatment in the evenings, taking time to massage a generous amount into my scalp and roots before rinsing it out the following morning. And so far? I’m genuinely impressed. The texture strikes that rare balance of feeling nourishing yet lightweight-ideal if, like me, you’re cautious about applying oils too liberally. My hair, particularly the highlighted sections, is prone to breakage, often resulting in shorter, frizzy layers that become especially unruly in damp or humid conditions. Fortunately, this oil has proved quite the remedy- my hair looks noticeably smoother, and those shorter layers appear more blended and controlled.
It’s also an absolute pleasure to use. The spa-like fragrance - a calming blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, and petitgrain- paired with the ritual of applying it, makes it feel like a proper (albeit speedy) moment of self-care. To be completely honest, I didn’t notice dramatic results immediately, but after around two months, I did see some changes My hair was growing with significantly less breakage, and my ends appeared far blunter, without the scraggly, uneven tips I’d become used to. And the shine? Oh the shine! Here was the kind of Kate Middleton-esque lustre I'd never seen before.'
Final thoughts
A do-it-all hair oil perfect for those with grease prone hair. A little goes a long way for adding shine, strength and nourishment. Plus, if you're someone looking to grow your hair, then this could be just the ticket. Would recommend.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism
Image credit: Cameron Bensley
Styling: Julia Harvey